Does “leadership excellence” have a specific meaning to you? What do you think of when you hear the phrase “leadership excellence?” When I hear the phrase “leadership excellence,” I think of leaders that have obtained the highest level of leadership in whatever they are doing. These leaders have strong values and characteristics that add value to their organization.
Characteristics of Leadership Excellence
Three characteristics found in leaders with leadership excellence are vision, charisma, and innovation.
Vision
Leaders that have obtained leadership excellence have a vision. Their vision is a clear image of the future they see for themselves and those they lead. They have a strong set of both short and long-term goals and their vision inspires those around them.
So how do you become a leader with a vision? Start by setting goals. Be sure that those around you know your goals. Make goals that require you to stretch beyond your comfort zone using SMART goals. As others begin to know of your goals they will be inspired to set their own goals. By having your own vision of the future, you allow others to have a vision.
Charisma
Charisma is a very important attribute of leadership excellence. Leaders with charisma draw people in and attract listeners. They have great speaking skills, but even more than their speaking skills, they are great listeners and listen to what others say. Their listening skills allow them to direct their conversations towards the needs of their listeners.
Some of the most charismatic leaders draw in an entire crowd just by entering a room. They are the people that speak in such a manner that they make you want to listen before you even know what they are talking about. To become a charismatic leader, you can practice speaking in public and get feedback from your listeners. Try to overcome your fears of speaking in public.
Innovation
In line with both their vision and charisma, leaders that have obtained leadership excellence are innovative thinkers. They are not afraid to think outside the common norms within their field. They are also willing to ask questions others are afraid to ask.
In many organizations, there are specific questions that are considered to be the “un-discussible questions”. Not asking these questions inhibits innovation. The innovative leaders are willing to attack the un-discussibles head on. They ask the necessary questions to overcome obstacles. They also break down barriers on a regular basis. Leaders use their innovation to impact peoples lives in ways that other leaders have never considered.
Bottom Line
Vision, charisma, and innovation are powerful characteristics that lead to leadership excellence. As you develop these characteristics in your own life, you will begin your journey toward leadership excellence. You will find unexpected doors opening up for you just because you are willing to set a standard for others to follow by thinking outside the box.
Why is having a vision important to leadership excellence? How does having charisma help you obtain leadership excellence? Are you innovative as you strive to obtain leadership excellence? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below!
Brandon, I enjoyed reading your blog. Leadership excellence is about creating a strong culture. Inspired culture drives prosperity. Inspired leaders
drive inspired cultures.
Alberto Galdamez
https://albertogaldamez.wordpress.com/
Welcome Alberto. Thanks for your comment. I agree with you that leadership excellence is about to creating a strong culture.
I believe that a strong leader understands the relationship between worker happiness and productivity and therefore strives to bring forward a fun and collaborative work environment. There are so many great examples of company with great culture out producing the norm, and there are examples of companies that get similar results by working their workers into submission. You can get great results through force or through motivation and momentum. Easy choice I think.
Welcome Wil,
You make a great point about the correlation between worker happiness and productivity. It has not been identified to be a 100% cause and effect relationship that if a worker is happier that they are guaranteed to work harder, but there is a strong trend that the happier they the more they work. As a leader, it is very important to create an environment that promotes happy workers.
These are three essential elements to leadership excellence. Having charisma allows a leader to have and expand their influence with others. Because people will want to follow them.
Dan,
The best leaders I have ever had have always had a lot of charisma. They have been the type to walk into the room and everyone listens. As you pointed out, that charisma gives them an influence which in turn expands their leadership beyond their position or title. Charisma is a very powerful tool in your leadership belt. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!